Robert R Doty

1933-2017

West Springfield – Robert Ring Doty, 84, passed away peaceably Tuesday at home. Bob was born in Springfield and lived in West Springfield all his life. He owned and operated Doty Gardens in West Springfield for many years. He proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Newfoundland Canada, as a welder at the airbase. He was a longtime member of Mittineague Congregational Church in West Springfield, the Springfield Naturalists Club, Springfield Mineral Club and the Westfield Sportsman Club. He had a keen interest in nature and the sciences especially biology (he enjoyed reading biology textbooks). His many interests included target shooting, hand loading, spending the summers at the cabin at Damon Pond, in Chesterfield, keeping the wood stove and fireplace going and cutting firewood.   A serine man, with a great sense of humor, who won the hearts of everyone he touched.  Bob graduated from West Springfield High School Class of 1952 and the University of Massachusetts, Stockbridge, School of Agriculture class of 1956.  He joins his loving Wife Nellie E. (Garrett) Doty in heaven, who predeceased him in 2015. He leaves his son Arthur Doty, his wife Joyce of West Springfield, his cherished niece Carolyn Connors and dear friend George Condon III.  He is predeceased by his parents, Vernon A. Doty and Rachel (Ely) Doty, his siblings, William E., Vernon G., Edwin A., Grace M. Baron Cleveland and Richard B Doty.  A graveside service will be held at Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery next to the historic White Church on Elm Street West Springfield at 3:00 Thursday November 16, 2017.  In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions can be made to The Friends of the West Springfield Library.   The West Springfield Curran-Jones Funeral Home is handling all arrangements. For more details please visit curranjones.com